LABORATORY OF ECOLOGICAL METHODS

This course focuses on the area of Biological and Ecological Sciences and contributes to defining the role of this discipline within Environmental Sciences. Specifically, the course is part of the broad discipline of ecology and offers theoretical foundations for understanding possible experimental approaches to the quantitative study of ecological systems, both in terms of structure and function. Specifically,
The course aims to provide an understanding of the key elements that must be considered when approaching a systematic study of ecosystems. By the end of the course, students should have developed an understanding of the complexity of ecological systems and their hierarchical structure, as well as the ability to undertake independent ecological research. They should have the conceptual and methodological foundations necessary for:
- studying the relationships between living organisms and their environment;
- understanding the role of organisms in communities and ecosystems;
- interpreting the complexity of the mechanisms that govern the functioning of natural ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial.

Ecology, by definition, is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It is divided into various subdisciplines, each characterized by specific approaches and methods of investigation. The course therefore aims to provide both basic knowledge of general ecology and an introduction to the main subdisciplines.
By the end of the course, closely integrated with the laboratory module, students should:
1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic ecological elements;
2. have acquired the ability to apply them to both natural and human contexts;
3. have mastered the main methods of data collection and analysis;
4. be able to interpret, communicate, and critically discuss ecological data independently.

Basic knowledge of animal biology and plant biology, acquired in the specific courses of the first year

The course focuses on theoretical elements related to field collection, analysis, and interpretation of ecological data. This will prepare the students for the practical laboratory work.
The analyses will address the main hierarchical levels.
Individual level: age determination, biometric data collection, length-weight regression, and somatic condition indices.
Population level: abundance estimates using the quadrat method and definition of the sampling unit, definition of the tagging-recapture and multiple capture-with-removal methods, use of models to assess the spatial dispersion of populations.
Community level: methods for studying plankton, benthos, and nekton, analysis of lagoon fish communities using diversity and similarity indices, and biological indicators and indices applied to macrobenthic communities in flowing waters.

Lecture slides and other teaching materials provided by the teacher are required for exam preparation.

Learning assessment is conducted through a single written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and two exercises. The multiple-choice and full-answer questions, designed to assess the student's understanding of the general ecology topics covered during the course, contribute a maximum of 6/30 and 9/30, respectively, to the final grade. Exercises related to the methodological part of the course and laboratory exercises contribute a maximum of 15/30 to the final grade.
Examples of exercises and questions from past exams will be available on Moodle to facilitate self-assessment.

written

Evaluation Grid:
228-30L: Mastery of the topics covered in class, ability to prioritize information, excellent use of appropriate technical terminology
25-27: Good knowledge of the topics covered in class, fair ability to organize information and present written form, familiarity with technical terminology
22-24: Knowledge of the topics covered in class is not always in-depth; information presentation is organized but with not always correct use of technical terminology
21-23: Knowledge of the topics covered in class is often superficial; information presentation is unclear and lacking in technical terminology
18-20: Knowledge of the topics covered in class is occasionally lacking; information presentation is confusing, with little use of technical terminology

The course is structured around lectures and laboratory exercises. The "Ecology I" module comprises lectures that cover the primary topics of ecology at the individual, population, community, ecosystem, and ecological landscape levels. Lectures may be supplemented with specialised seminars. Slides used by the instructor will be made available to students online immediately after the lecture. Laboratory activities consist of both practical and numerical exercises.
Lectures and laboratory activities are designed to strengthen the understanding of ecological processes and the ability to critically analyse environmental data.

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion.
Accommodations and Support Services for students with disabilities or with specific learning disabilities:
Ca 'Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or with specific learning disabilities. In case of motor, visual, hearing or other disabilities (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010) and you need support (classroom assistance, technological aids for carrying out exams or individualized exams, material in accessible format, recovery of notes, specialized tutoring to support the study, interpreters or other), please contact the Disability and SLD office. Disability@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development